local
Roller skating offers mental health reset for skaters of all ages
By LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
BATON ROUGE, La. (Aging Untold) — At Skate Galaxy in Baton Rouge, roller skating has become more than a hobby for regulars who say the rink offers a mental reset. Coach LT Otis has been skating since he was 5. He is now in his 70s and teaches the basics to new skaters. “When you come in here, you...
Key takeaway Coach LT Otis has been skating since he was 5.
Why this matters in The Laredo
In Laredo , where outdoor activities are plentiful, incorporating roller skating as a form of exercise and mental wellness could be a valuable addition to the community's recreational offerings. The physical and mental benefits of roller skating, as described by Coach LT Otis and gerontologist Sam Cradduck, align with the city's efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among residents of all ages. For Laredo's older adults, roller skating could be a low-impact way to stay active and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries. Meanwhile, younger residents like Naomi Evans, who credits skating with helping her manage depression, demonstrate the potential for roller skating to support mental health initiatives in local schools and youth programs. As Laredo continues to grow and develop, exploring alternative forms of exercise and recreation like roller skating could enhance the city's quality of life and provide a unique outlet for stress relief and social connection.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BATON ROUGE, La. (Aging Untold) — At Skate Galaxy in Baton Rouge, roller skating has become more than a hobby for regulars who say the rink offers a mental reset. Coach LT Otis has been skating since he was 5. He is now in his 70s and teaches the basics to new skaters. “When you come in here, you...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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